Vitamin D also has multiple important roles in skin physiology, including the formation of new blood vessels and wound healing.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets, and bone pain generally.

Humans have the ability to synthesize vitamin D via UV exposure. Lack of UV exposure is therefore implicated in many cases of reduced vitamin D levels, particularly in those with darker skin types. Oral supplementation of vitamin D has been used for many years and is recognized to be of benefit in deficiency.

Here are three ways to increase your levels of Vitamin D;

1. UV Exposure

As described above, your body can absorb a certain type of Vitamin D which travels to the liver to be turned into a type of Vitamin D that your body can use. You need around 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight for this process to take place. The more skin exposed, the more effective the process.

2. Food

Due to the lack of sunlight in some parts of the world, Vitamin D supplements may be required. In the UK, we may not get enough Vitamin D between October and March. The NHS advises a supplement of 10mcg per day.